WHO WE ARE:

CloserStill Media run over 80 market leading business exhibitions in the learning, healthcare, technology, and veterinary sectors, with events in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. Our portfolio includes some of the fastest growing, and often award-winning events including the London Vet Show, Cloud Expo Europe, Data Centre World, The Pharmacy Show, Learning Technologies, DevLearn and The Dentistry Show.

THE ROLE:

Directs facility, contractor, operational, production, and food and beverage activities for assigned events. Is responsible for related functions from inception to completion, including performing initial site research and proposals, and implementing all contractual arrangements for vendor services. Attends assigned shows/conferences and is responsible for coordinating on-site operations. Manages, trains, monitors and develops the Operations staff.

ABOUT YOU:

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall delivery of a portfolio of exhibitions within agreed budgets and deadlines. They will work as part of the operations team and alongside the sales and marketing teams. The Operations Manager is a highly organized, self-motivated and enthusiastic individual with strong negotiation and decision-making skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Researches potential show sites; collects information on rates, accessibility, meeting rooms, exhibitor needs, transportation, catering, miscellaneous services and discounts provided.
• Prepares site/facility proposals and makes recommendations; arranges for site inspections, assembles all service information regarding contractor interaction with exhibitors, including wall layouts, drayage and other relevant needs.
• In conjunction with the VP of Operations/ Director of Operations develops the annual event budgets, monthly forecasts, and analysis; is responsible for the implementation and adherence to each.
• Negotiates contracts for onsite vendors, ensuring agreements are within the corporate guidelines. Communicates space requirements, works with Housing to negotiate complimentary rooms, percent increase limits, cancellation policies, catering, security, audio-visual needs, parking, etc., and complies with all facilities contracts and general contractor agreements.
• Conduct employee reviews and develop plans for managing and retaining talent inside the organization and improve leadership strength.
• Communicates regularly with all vendors including the general services contractor, venue staff, sales, catering, banquet, and audio-visual and services managers to arrange for all event needs, food function menus, coffee service, social activities, and coordinates these functions with other expositions staff.
• Manages customer/exhibitor needs with event staff; works with show management to create floor plan layout for each event to ensure proper customer/content placement and customer satisfaction. Watches for good traffic flow, adequate areas for registration and exhibitor services, and ensures compliance with safety and facility requirements.
• Manages exhibitor participation in conventions; oversees creation of operational communications with exhibitors including service kits, security forms, badge forms, freight scheduling, and other activities.
• Manages all preconference logistics such as but not limited to show information documents, temporary space arrangements, signage, and ordering of convention materials. Manages production of attendee badges.
• Manage high level keynote speaker support, including: onsite logistics, coordination of audio visual needs, rehearsal schedules, set design, and attendee seating plan.
• Manages production and posting of signage; provides input into the creation and maintenance of all operations contact with exhibitors including service kits, security forms, badge forms, freight scheduling and all other activities pertaining to logistics and operations.
• Works with the registration vendor to coordinate exhibitor and attendee registration, including advance and on-site registration, lead retrieval systems, staffing, lists, etc.
• Works with IT to ensure that all technology is set up and functional on show site; includes providing computers, internet, wireless, iPad stands, charging stations, etc.
• Manages communications with exhibitors to ensure that problems are discussed and resolved.
• Manages on-site functions at assigned events, including exhibit hall, meeting rooms and other event spaces.
• Trains, supervises and evaluates assigned Operations Managers, Coordinators and Assistants.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Complete a Heath and Safety plan with risk assessments
• Overseeing post event reporting and analysis.
• Manages booth plan approval and EAC forms.
• Managing the fulfillment of all sponsorship and barter deals.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Three-year related work experience, in convention production, hospitality or meeting planning. Must have strong interpersonal, time management and organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task – must be highly detail oriented, with problem solving and conflict management abilities. At least two years staff management experience in order to train, motivate and develop staff. Must have the ability to delegate and manage stress. Must have working knowledge of personal computers and MS Office, cost management and budgetary responsibilities.

OTHER KEY SUCCESS ATTRIBUTES:

Strong customer-service orientation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Prior knowledge of trade shows. Contract negotiations and implementation experience is critical. Experience with hotel and/or banquet sales or facilities management and planning.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Extensive travel (air and/or ground) is likely. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls (operate a computer and other office equipment); reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, although show attendance will have higher noise levels.

STATEMENT OF INTENT:

The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this function. However, the nature of our business may require that the responsibilities associated with this job may change from time to time in accordance with the Company’s business needs. This description is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Requests by employees or applicants to accommodate an eligible disability will be followed by a current review of the essential functions of the position.

WHAT WE OFFER:

This is a full-time, permanent, remote position. CloserStill Media offers a competitive base salary and a comprehensive set of benefits.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

CloserStill Media embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to continuing to develop a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on merit without attention to age, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status or disability status.